Want to become a Goalball Academy player? Applications are open to join the team!
What is the Goalball Academy?
The Goalball Academy is the entry point to Goalball UK’s Performance Pathway for blind and partially sighted young people.
It supports young people aged 12–17 who are beginning their journey within goalball, or who are ready to take a next step in their development. The Academy focuses on helping players build strong foundations in goalball, while developing the behaviours and understanding required to progress within the pathway over time.
The aim of the Goalball Academy
The Goalball Academy exists to identify, support and develop potential in a positive and inclusive environment. The programme takes a long-term player development approach, recognising that people develop at different rates.
The Academy focuses on:
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Building core goalball skills and game understanding.
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Developing positive training behaviours, such as commitment, communication and openness to feedback.
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Supporting personal development alongside sporting development.
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Introducing athletes to the standards and expectations associated with the Performance Pathway.
What will I do if I am a part of the Goalball Academy?
Young people invited for the Goalball Academy have the opportunity to participate in:
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Academy residential camps – camps lasting up to a maximum of 3 days, with on and off-court sessions led by Performance Pathway coaches and support staff. These are great for helping to build independent skills staying away from home, as well as the social aspect in getting to know new people.
- Academy Aspire Days – One day training events in partnership with goalball clubs across the UK.
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Academy virtual sessions – These sessions take place via Zoom and are a great. These take place on average every three weeks, on a weekday evening.
At the heart of the Goalball Academy is young blind or partially sighted people coming together in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Progression within the Performance Pathway
Being part of the Goalball Academy does not guarantee progression to higher pathway programmes. Progression is based on a range of factors, including:
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Engagement and attitude.
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Willingness to learn and apply feedback.
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Development over time, both on and off the court.
The Goalball Academy aims to give young people the best possible start to their Performance Pathway journey, regardless of their long-term destination within the sport.
Who is the Goalball Academy for?
The Goalball Academy is for young people who:
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Are blind or partially sighted, aged 12-17 years old.
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Show an interest in developing within the Goalball UK Performance Pathway.
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Demonstrate positive behaviours and a willingness to learn.
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Want to explore their potential in a supportive and structured environment.
How can I apply?
There are a couple of ways to apply to become a Goalball Academy player. Please follow the steps below.
- Step 1: Complete the Goalball Academy general details form
- Step 2: Tell us why you would like to be part of the Goalball Academy (choose one option)
Option A: Video or audio submission (up to 1 minute)
The questions below are here for you to use as inspiration:
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What you enjoy about taking part in sport and physical activity (and goalball specifically, if you currently play).
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What strengths, qualities or attitudes do you have that you could bring to the Goalball Academy?
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What you would be most looking forward to as part of the Goalball Academy.
Audio-only is absolutely fine.
Option B: Written submission (Word document, maximum 2 sides of A4)
Answer the same questions as above.
To help you get started, you can view an example submission here: Example! Goalball Academy application – Word format.
More creativity, the better! We cannot wait to hear from you.
Please submit your video/audio file or Word document to Goalball UK Talent Officer, Alex Cockerham: alex.cockerham@goalballuk.com
